Crowded Dutch Parking Credit: Velopa

Data is often mind-boggling, especially when it involves the Dutch and cycling... 

In the ECF offices, we have staff from every corner of the globe: Hungarians, Americans, Belgians, British, Australians, Germans, Austrians, French... the list goes on. So you can imagine the sort of heated bicycle discussions we have about modal share, bicycle policy, funding, bicycle brands. Our lunch breaks can turn into lunch debates in a matter of minutes. 

One morning, our Dutch colleague Henk Hendriks, decided to boast about Dutch cycling statistics. (As if we didn't already know). He shared some figures from Fietsersbond, the Dutch Cyclists' Union. 

The data was nothing short of mind-boggling. We simply couldn't resist sharing the numbers with you.  So here goes... daily cycling statistics in the Netherlands:

08.00

750,000 bicycle trips made mostly to work. 

08.30

Most children go to school, which means another 1.2 million trips made by bicycle. 

09.00 

Most people have now arrived at work: 2.5 million trips so far today. 

12.00

For a number of reasons, morning cycling is popular, adding another 2.5 million trips by bicycles. This means we've seen 5 million bicycle rides so far... 

13.00

1.5 million more trips are made as many elementary school students go home for a quick sandwich. The tally stands at 6.5 million bike rides.

Cycling in Utrecht, the Netherlands Credit: Velopa

14.00

Yet another 1.2 million trips. Don't bother asking why (they are Dutch after all). 

16.00

The school bell has rung, and children cycle to friends' houses and sports clubs etc. In the last two hours 2.5 million bike rides. The counter is above 10 million.

17.00

It's  evening rush hour and many people do their shopping, children go to the gym. Yikes... another 1.2 million bike rides. 

18.00

Most people are back at home. Yet again, another 1.2 million bicycle trips taken. 

24.00

It's may be late, but that doesn't mean no more cycling. Another 1.75 million bicycle trips are made as many athletes, students, artists and those wanting to go out at night take to two wheels. 

The final tally?

5 million cyclists and more than 14 million bicycle journeys made. 

Now check out this video below from Dutch bicycle Blogger, Mark Wagenbuur, and you'll have your daily dose of inspiration. 

About the Author

Julian Ferguson is the Communications Officer for the European Cyclists’ Federation. Originally hailing from Australia and a keen bicycle advocate, he plans one day to ride his bicycle from Brussels to Melbourne. 

You can follow him on Twitter @julian_ferguson